How we work together

A clear process. From hello to plan.

Four steps, for clients across Bath, Bristol and the South West. Each one with its purpose, its timing and its cost set out in writing before we begin.

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The work is careful, structured, and quiet.

No surprises, no jargon, no pressure to proceed. You see the reasoning and the recommendations in writing — every step. If at any point this isn’t the right fit, walking away costs you nothing.

The process is the same whichever of the six areas brings you here, whether that is retirement, investments, inheritance tax or something else entirely.

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Step one · Discovery

An honest conversation.

A complimentary 30-minute call by phone, video or in person in Bath. Where you are, where you want to be, and an honest read on whether advice is the right next step.

What we cover

Your situation today. The questions on your mind. Anything you’ve been putting off. No fact-find, no forms — just a conversation.

What you walk away with

A clear sense of whether your situation warrants advice. If it doesn’t, I’ll say so. If it does, you’ll know what comes next and roughly what it will cost.

Duration
30 minutes
Format
Phone, video, in person
Cost
No charge
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Step two · Fact-find

The full picture.

A structured review of your pensions, investments, income, debts, protection and goals. The fact-find is the foundation everything else rests on, so we take time to get it right.

What I’ll ask for

Recent pension statements. Investment statements. Mortgage details. Latest payslips. Life cover and protection in place. A will, if you have one. I’ll send a checklist.

What you walk away with

A written summary of your current position — what you have, what it’s doing, and the gaps. Yours to keep, regardless of whether we proceed.

Duration
60–90 minutes
Format
In person, ideally
Cost
No charge
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Step three · The plan

Written, considered, in plain English.

A bespoke plan that pulls everything together — pensions, investments, tax wrappers, protection, inheritance — in the right order, with the reasoning shown. Presented to you, then yours to read at your own pace.

What’s in it

Specific recommendations, costed and explained. Why this fund, this wrapper, this contribution rate, this protection level. No black boxes. No “trust me.”

What happens next

Time to think. Questions answered. Nothing signed until you’re ready. If we proceed, I implement. If we don’t, the plan is still yours.

Delivered
3–4 weeks after fact-find
Format
Written plan + meeting
Cost
Agreed in writing first
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Step four · Review

Always alongside.

A plan made once and forgotten is worth less than no plan at all. Life changes. Markets change. Tax rules change. The plan should change with them — that’s what ongoing review is for.

What I do quietly

Quarterly portfolio monitoring. Annual rebalancing if needed. Tax-year-end allowance reminders. Watching for legislative changes that might affect you — the April 2027 pension inheritance tax change being the obvious one right now.

What we do together

A full review meeting at least annually. Ad-hoc calls or emails whenever something’s on your mind — no clock running, no surcharge.

Cadence
Annual minimum
Access
Unlimited, by email or phone
Cost
Agreed in writing first
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What working together looks like.

A short and honest list of what’s on each side of the table.

From you

  • Honesty about your situation, your goals, and your worries
  • The paperwork on the checklist — most of it digital
  • Time to read the plan before signing anything
  • A willingness to tell me when something doesn’t feel right

From me

  • An honest read on whether you need advice at all
  • Plain English, every step. No jargon, no upsell
  • Recommendations with the reasoning shown
  • All fees agreed in writing before any chargeable work begins
  • A response to any email or message within one business day
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Common questions.

How long does the whole process take?
From first call to plan delivery, typically six to ten weeks. The pace is set by you — most people prefer a measured approach. Implementation, once you’ve agreed the plan, usually takes another two to four weeks depending on the providers involved.
What does it cost?
The first two steps — the initial conversation and the fact-find — carry no charge at all. Beyond that there are two fees: one for building and implementing the plan, and an ongoing fee if you want me alongside you afterwards. Both are set out in writing, in pounds and pence, before any chargeable work begins, and you are free to stop at that point. There is no commission on investment or pension business, so nothing about the recommendation is influenced by what I am paid.
Can I walk away at any point?
Yes. The first two steps are free, the plan is yours to keep, and there’s no obligation until you sign the engagement letter. Even after that, you can end the relationship at any time without penalty.
Do I need to switch pensions or platforms?
Only if it materially benefits you. Sometimes consolidation simplifies management and reduces total cost; sometimes leaving things where they are is the right call — older pensions can carry guarantees or low charges worth keeping. I’ll show you the reasoning either way, with the numbers.
Is there a minimum portfolio size?
I work with clients across a wide range of asset levels. As a guide, the process tends to work best for those with combined investible assets — including pensions — of £50,000 or more. If you’re below that, I’m happy to have an honest conversation about whether advice is the right call right now. In the meantime the free articles, calculators and videos on the resources page are there to be used, and you are welcome to come back when the time is right.
How are you regulated?
I am an Appointed Representative of Saltus Wealth Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 449607. You can verify this on the FCA Register. If something ever goes wrong, you have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service, and my advice is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

This page describes how the advice process works. It is not personal financial advice and does not take account of your individual circumstances. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invest.

Andrew Daw is an Appointed Representative of Saltus Wealth Partnership Limited (FCA FRN 449607), trading as Duchy IFA. For UK residents only. Verifiable on the FCA Register.

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Begin with a conversation.

A complimentary 30 minutes, in person in Bath or by video wherever you are. No obligation, no pitch. We’ll talk about where you are now, and whether a planner is the right next step.

Arrange a conversation